Food Insecurity in Portland: A Community Response
As November kicked off, students at the University of Oregon’s Portland campus faced an unsettling question: where would their next meal come from? Thankfully, Love Our City, a nonprofit led by Pastors Seth and Kaz Brooks, sprang into action. Each week, they provide food to students and community members, offering over 150 boxes every week, though that number has recently doubled to 300. This surge reflects the growing need in the area.
Kaz Brooks shared, “It’s not business as usual. We’re doing everything we can to support our community.” Their approach relies on gleaning, where volunteers collect food that would otherwise go to waste.
Among their many efforts, Love Our City hosts a food drop for students every other Wednesday at the Student Campus Center. They also keep the student pantry well-stocked. Fatuma Ali, who oversees campus care and basic needs, revealed that a survey showed 38% of students struggle with food insecurity.
Marie Shambry, a volunteer, highlighted the importance of these resources. “Students are juggling studies, families, and normal life challenges. Providing food takes one worry off their plates.”
Nick Rimando, a second-year student, expressed his gratitude: “This is super beneficial for all of us. With so much food waste in America, connecting people with food they need is essential.”
First-year student Allie Young echoed his sentiments. She noted the stress of student debt and its link to food insecurity. “Events like this help,” she said.
On Tuesdays, the drive-up food distribution sees hundreds waiting in line. Last week alone, Love Our City received $237 in donations and a generous $5,000 check to support their efforts. Despite this, volunteers sometimes have to give out limited supplies, leading to difficult decisions about who receives food.
Kyann Kalin, a long-time volunteer, recounted a busy day where the line spilled into traffic. “We had to turn people away because it became unsafe. It’s heartbreaking to see how desperate folks are,” she said.
One of those facing uncertainty is Elica Day, who recently lost her SNAP benefits. Her situation, complicated by health issues, left her feeling defeated. “I don’t understand why benefits vanish when they’re needed most. They’re vital for people like me,” she said.
Gratitude remains a common theme, even amid adversity. Marianne Smith, no longer a SNAP recipient, relies on the pantry weekly. “The team here is consistent and kind. Even when I had SNAP, it wasn’t enough,” she reflected.
Sonja Vaughan, a pantry worker who’s faced her own job loss, emphasized the pantry’s importance. “Without this resource, I’d be in a tough spot financially,” she said.
In a world where food insecurity is on the rise, organizations like Love Our City play a crucial role. Their commitment to alleviating hunger within the Portland community shines brightly, proving the power of collective action in challenging times.
For more insights on food insecurity in the U.S., check out the latest research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
